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117 THE KING OF SCHNORRERS. 117

here he adroitly twisted his chair into argumentative posi- tion on the other side of the Councillor, rounding him like a cape — " that, because you have no sympathy with my tribulation, I have no sympathy with yours. But, if I have consented, it is only because it was the best I could do for my daughter. In my heart of hearts I have repudi- ated her, so that she may practically be considered an orphan, and, as such, a fit person to receive the marriage dowry bequeathed by Rodriguez Real, peace be upon him."

"This is no laughing matter, sir," thundered the Presi- dent, stung into forgetfulness of his dignity by thinking too much of it.

" No, indeed," said Manasseh sympathetically, wheeling to the right so as to confront the President, who went on stormily, " Are you aware, sir, of the penalties you risk by persisting in your course?"

" I risk no penalties," replied the beggar.

" Indeed ! Then do you think anyone may trample with impunity upon our ancient Ascamot? "

" Our ancient Ascamot ! " repeated Manasseh in surprise. "What have they to say against a Sephardi marrying a Tedesco?"

The audacity of the question rendered the Council breathless. Manasseh had to answer it himself.

"They have nothing to say. There is no such Ascama." There was a moment of awful silence. It was as though he had disavowed the Decalogue.

" Do you question the first principle of our constitution?" said the President at last, in low, ominous tones. " Do you deny that your daughter is a traitress? Do you — ? "

"Ask your Chancellor," calmly interrupted Manasseh. " He is a Man-of-the-Earth, but he should know your